The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.